A few years ago, the city finally addressed the hazards of people crossing the bypass near CNC by erecting a chainlink fence.
While this fence would have been enough, they also chose to reduce traffic options by redirecting and in some cases eliminating traffic off of Westwood and the frontage road along Spruceland.
Maybe that was too much? Maybe that could create problems in the future? Fast forward to 2023 and we find ourselves in autumn, with traffic congestion on Ospika and elsewhere at ridiculous levels and we have to ask ourselves why?
Is it because someone decided to start construction on University Way in September, at the start of the fall semester instead of during the summer semester when far fewer students and out-of-town students were attending? Is it because traffic patterns have changed over the years, with access from Pine Centre, and Westwood onto the bypass eliminated, forcing people to use Carney or Ospika?
Is it because relief avenues like 18th Avenue could have been used, but cannot as roundabout construction has been going on since the spring and the road is still closed? Is it that Hart traffic is also adding to the congestion on Ospika as University Way is no longer an option to those travelling to College Heights?
I understand fully that many will say that this is no big deal, that it is a temporary inconvenience; but the current situation is a prime example of the lack of foresight and proper planning by many who consistently do a poor job at our city's highest level.
When will enough be enough?
Eliminating bypass access and directing traffic to Carney has also created issues due to sink holes and failing infrastructure, not to mention that our largest fire hall is right there! Carney was never a viable route to get from Pine Centre to Spruceland.
If the number of problems I have mentioned are not enough, consider that hockey will be returning to the exhibition grounds soon, youth soccer is back, and any event held at the CN Centre, will only add to the congestion.
At the end of the day, who would think that September is the right time to start construction on any university access road? Construction overruns, broken budgets, and simply upping the taxes to pay for mistakes, when will this circus end?
Michael Maslen
Prince George
